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2013 Christmas Wine Dinner
Naperville, IL
Tasted December 14, 2013 by bablues with 612 views
Introduction
Annual wine/dinner party which keeps getting better each year. Some epic wines with a very surprising old Barolo. Theme was Andrew Will Champoux vertical from 2003-2008.
Dinner was:
1 - Steak Tartare
2 - Scallops with Portobello Gravy
3 - Vegetable Lasagna
4 - Turkey Leg Confit
5 - Osso Buco
tasting notes are not too detailed
Flight 1 (17 notes)
White
2008 Sartarelli Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Balciana
Used for cooking in the Osso Buco
White
2007 Sartarelli Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Balciana
flawed
Either past it's prime or corked. Not a good start to the night
Rosé
2007 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Rosé
88 points
Very interesting wine. Not past it's prime at all. Classic pinot nose and still very bright
White
2008 Ramey Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard
94 points
One of my favorite all time Chardonnay's and this did not disappoint at all.
Red
2006 Flora Springs Cabernet Sauvignon Flora's Legacy
90 points
Similar to previous note. Lighter than most Cab's. I thought it is more old world in style, though others thought is was more fruit forward.
Red
2008 Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard
92 points
First of a six bottle vertical of the Champoux. Not the best, but not the worst of them.
Red
2007 Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard
93 points
Second of a six bottle vertical. Fruit is still bursting from the glass.
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Comment
Red
2006 Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard
90 points
Third of a six bottles vertical. A great wine but could not match the rest, though the competition was extremely tough.
Red
2005 Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard
92 points
Fourth of a six bottle vertical. Right down the middle compared to the others
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Comment
Red
2004 Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard
95 points
Fifth of a six bottle vertical. This was the surprise of the bunch. It's my first time trying the 04 and based on the scores from others I wasn't expecting too much. This was as good as it gets from AW. Flavors were bright and the nose was the best of the bunch.
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Comment
Red
2003 Andrew Will Champoux Vineyard
95 points
Last of the six bottle vertical and as always the best of best from AW. Still have plenty left and will buy more when they are available.
Red
1966 Luigi Calissano Barolo Riserva Speciale
94 points
I wasn't expecting much but was very excited to try this given the age. The cork broke in half, but still came out just fine. The color was light ruby and beautiful. The nose was port like. The taste was surprising fresh and vibrant. Cherries and more cherries. An amazing experience.
Red
2005 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot
93 points
Have not had an 05 Bordeaux in quite some time. This was amazing. So fresh and still a baby. Have a couple more that I will let rest for quite a while.
Red
2009 Cayuse Flying Pig
96 points
This wine has it all. Fresh, yet complex. The structure of this wine is amazing. Every taste was different. The Cab Franc is obvious and delicious.
Red
2005 Bodegas El Nido Jumilla El Nido
96 points
Had many Clio's and a few El Nido's. First time with the 05. Didn't not disappoint at all. No detailed notes but just remember thinking "Wow".
Red
2006 Kosta Browne Syrah Amber Ridge Vineyard
92 points
Last wine of a very long and amazing wine dinner. I am surprised at the scores below. For me this tasted exactly like the Ramey Rodgers Creek (2007). Pepper forever on the nose as well as the taste.
Closing
Very hard to pick a wine of the night however the 66 Barolo has to be my choice, just for the experience.